European City of Culture

HC Deb 05 November 2002 vol 392 cc192-3W

Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the decision will be made on the choice of European City of Culture; and if she will make a statement on the method by which it will be chosen. [78360]

Dr. Howells

The UK's nomination of European Capital of Culture 2008 will be announced in Spring 2003.

Twelve UK cities submitted bids and on 30 October my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced a shortlist of six to go forward for further consideration. This shortlist was recommended to me by the independent Advisory Panel, chaired by Sir Jeremy Isaacs, which my right hon. Friend appointed earlier this to assess the bids against the criteria laid down by the EU and the Government.

The Advisory Panel will undertake a further and more intensive programme of assessment of the remaining bids over the coming months, to identify an overall recommendation for the UK's nomination.